Henry Head Walk

A worthwhile walk, traversing beach and headland to explore the WWII battlements of Henry Head. Both the Little Congwong Beach and Brown’s Rock sidetrips are recommended on this walk, as they are short detours and break the journey. Henry Head is good spot to stop for something to eat, grab a torch and explore the concrete structures or just watch the boats passing in and out of Botany Bay. A recommended and pleasant walk.

(0km) Southern End of Cann Park → Eastern end of Congwong Beach

230 m

4 mins

2m

-8m

Moderate track

From the southern end of Cann Park[1], this walk follows the concrete track down a series of stairs[2], passing the ‘Congwong Beach Walk’ sign[3] on your right. This walk continues gently downhill on a sandy track for about 40m, to find the western end of Congwong Beach[4]. Then this walk follows the beach, with the water to your right, for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection, with the ‘Henry Head/Little Congwong Beach’ sign[5].

(0.23km) Eastern end of Congwong Beach → Little Congwong Beach

310 m

6 mins

13m

-11m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the eastern end of Congwong Beach[6], this walk follows a mostly level concrete track, passing a ‘Little Congwong Beach Track’ sign[7] (on the left) and keeping the water on the right for about 230m (with coastal views on the right[8]). Then this walk follows a sandy track moderately steeply downhill[9], with occasional timber steps[10] for about 90m, until coming to the western end of Little Congwong Beach[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Little Congwong Beach

Little Congwong Beach, located at La Perouse, is a sheltered sandy beach[12] that has been described as one of the most beautiful beach oases in Sydney. Little Congwong beach has also been used for over 40 years as an unofficial and secluded nude beach. If you see any offensive behaviour please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or the Maroubra Police on 02 9349 9299. This beach is very popular on summer weekends and has limited shade in the afternoon. More info.

(0.23km) Eastern end of Congwong Beach → Int of Henry Head Track and Congwong Beach Servicetrail

210 m

4 mins

10m

0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[15], this walk follows the ‘Henry Head Scenic Walk’ sign[16] and wide track gently uphill and away from the beach through coastal bush. The walk continues to follow the timber and concrete track [17] moderately steeply uphill[18] for about 160m, until coming to a three-way intersection[19] with a track on the right.

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[20], this walk follows the track slightly uphill, over a dry culverted creek and onto rock slabs[21]. The track continues up a gentle hill through coastal forest[22] for about 130m until coming to a three-way intersection[23] (with a track on the left).

(0.69km) Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Lane Track → Int of Henry Head Track AND Depot Trail

240 m

4 mins

6m

-2m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection[24], this walk follows the ‘Henry Head’ sign east along a wide track, gently uphill through wooded forest[25]. This walk continues to follow the track for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[26], with a narrow management trail and large green shed[27] (on the left).

(0.93km) Int of Henry Head Track AND Depot Trail → Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks

400 m

8 mins

17m

-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[28], this walk follows the track gently downhill[29] for about 20m to come to a shallow, dry water course[30]. Then this walk continues to follow the track gently uphill through moist forest[31] for about 120m, coming to a metal ring fence[32] (on the right). The walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill[33] with occasional timber steps for about 260m, until coming to a four-way intersection[34]. This intersection has a track to the left[35], a ‘Henry Head’ signed[36] track tending right and a ‘Browns Rock’ signed[37] track to the right.

(1.33km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Browns Rock

310 m

7 mins

0m

-38m

Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection[38], this walk follows the track gently downhill, following the ‘Browns Rock 280m’ sign[39]. About 110m down the track, the walk continues down a moderately steep hill with timber steps[40] for a further 180m, until coming to a square concrete platform[41] on the water and Browns Rock. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Browns Rock

Browns Rock is a popular fishing spot at La Perouse, with an unfenced shelf of rock and concrete from which to cast fishing rods[42]. Unfortunately, this area suffers from littering[44] – Please help by carrying out your own rubbish and a few extra bits where safe (the rangers do a great job, but it is hard to keep up). More info.

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[45], this walk follows the wide sandy track gently uphill, past the ‘Henry Head 700m’ sign[46] (on the left). After about 70m, the walk passes views of Bare Island[47] on the right, then continues to follow the track moderately steeply uphill through low coastal forest for about 140m, until coming to a T-intersection[48] with a management trail.

(1.55km) Int of Henry Head Track and Golf Course Management Trail → Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Trail

310 m

5 mins

0m

-8m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[49], this walk follows the wide level track south, passing the bench seat (on the right). Then this walk continues to follow the track through dense coastal bush for about 70m, until finding a World War One fort[50] (on the right). This walk continues to follow a sandy, moderately steep downhill track for about 130m, where there are views of Bare Island[51] on the right. This walk then continues to follow the track through dense forest[52] for about 100m, until passing between timber posts[53] and coming to a T-intersection, with a management trail.

(1.86km) Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Trail → Henry Head

230 m

5 mins

0m

-23m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[54], this walk follows the wide management trail gently downhill[55] for about 220m (ignoring side tracks[56]), until coming to two timber seats[57], a white round tower[58] and Henry Head.

Henry Head

The Henry Head Battery is located on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay at Henry Head. The battery was constructed on an unfenced headland between 1892 and 1895 and operated until 1910 when it was closed down. The battery and observation posts was re-utilised during World War Two to defend against approaches to Botany Bay. The battery consisted of two disappearing guns, ammunition storage and observation posts. The underground bunker and tunnel complex consisted of vaulted ammunition storage rooms with double walls and ceilings. The doubling-up of walls and ceilings was a preventative measure meant to stop the walls from collapsing in the event of a direct hit. The battery is currently not in use. The white tower on the battery is the Endeavour Tower, not a lighthouse as such, but a red marker light nonetheless. More info.

Maps for the Henry Head Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Fire Danger

http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-botanybnp-bithh
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
http://new.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-botanybnp-bithh
Forecast snapshot